Chad is a man often immersed in numbers. As the design data analyst, he’s constantly pouring over reports comparing one set of numbers to another, looking for the smallest of differences.
“Throughout the design process various forms of data are produced that need to be analyzed, reported or maintained,” says Chad. “I’m responsible for a number of them.”
Chad attended the University of California at Santa Barbara, where he studied physical geography with an emphasis on geographic information systems and digital image processing.
He landed with ORACLE TEAM USA back in 2001 when he was hired to work as a data analyst on the meteorological team. Since then he’s worked with a number of high level racing teams, including involvement in each ORACLE TEAM USA campaign.
“At the moment, I spend most of my time using software developed in house,” says Chad. “With them, I produce data that will then help us understand how different design concepts and configurations will perform without ever having to touch the water. But the ‘field research’ makes all the time in front of the computer worthwhile, now more than ever.”
Chad was born and raised in a sailing family and spent a lot of time around his family’s local club and father’s 35-foot sailboat. He says he was fortunate to have some great coaches and opportunities to sail throughout North America as a youth and into college.
“I’ve spent more time over the last couple of years playing a supporting role for grand-prix yachts racing in the Mediterranean,” says Chad. “While my own sailing has taken a side to work, I’m looking forward to getting back out there soon.”
Career Highlights
2010
- 33rd America’s Cup, BMW ORACLE Racing, consultant
- 33rd America’s Cup, Alinghi, runner-up
2007:
- BMW Oracle Racing, Opposition Analyst
2006:
- BMW Oracle Racing, Opposition Analyst
2005:
- BMW Oracle Racing, Opposition Analyst
2003:
- BMW Oracle Racing, Weather Analyst
2002:
- BMW Oracle Racing, Weather Analyst
2001:
- BMW Oracle Racing, Weather Analyst